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Septic System Construction, Repairs & Maintenance
This page has information to explain how to design or install a new septic system, repair an existing septic system, and how to maintain a septic system.
Notice: Our Septic Regulations Have Been Revised
What You Need to Know About Properties Connected to a Septic System
Thinking about buying or selling a home with a septic system? If so, you should be asking yourself these questions:
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Do I know where the septic system is located on the property?
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Do I know what type and size of septic system serves the home?
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Is the existing septic system legal? Does it have any limitations that I should be aware of before I sell or buy the home?
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When was the last time the septic system was inspected or pumped-out? Is it working properly?
A septic system is a critical component of a home --- it collects, treats, and disposes of all of the used water from toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, dishwashers, clothes washers, etc. Without a properly working and legal septic system, a home's value to the occupants or potential buyers is severely diminished. Who wants to own a home where you can't flush the toilets, take a shower, or wash your clothes? For more information about how septic systems work and the different types of septic systems see our Homeowner's Guide to Onsite Septic Systems.
Before buying or selling a home, make sure that you know what the status of the septic system is by having the Health District do a records review and site inspection of the septic system, and provide you with a written report of the findings. It is not only a good idea to protect your investment, but it is also the law (Kitsap Public Health Board Ordinance 2008A-01, Section 13.D.).
A Property Conveyance inspection is important to identify significant problems. See Property Conveyance Inspection Findings chart below. If these problems are not identified or corrected, they can cause problems for the home sellers or buyers and even cause septic system failure after the new owners take possession of the property.
For more detailed information, please refer to our Selling a property with a septic system: What, Why & How guide.
If your property does not have a record drawing, you will need to create one. Please follow the instructions contained within the Record Drawing Document.
2024 Property Conveyance Inspection Findings
1676 property conveyance inspections (PCI) for septic were completed in 2024. Of those, 464 (28%) had significant deficiencies identified.
Avoiding Common Problems on Property Conveyance Inspections
Encroachment - don’t build or park on your primary or reserve drainfield. Primary and reserve drainfield areas are intended to be maintained clear for maintenance and for future use.
Maintenance accessibility - For alternative systems, keep components accessible for maintenance.
Use beyond capacity/unpermitted connections -
Stay within the designed capacity of your drainfield design. To find out how many bedrooms your septic is approved for, search for your records through our GIS Search.
Do not add plumbing to outbuildings without project review and approval from Kitsap Health.
Primary/reserve areas compromised -
Know where your septic areas are and protect them. For more information about how to protect those areas, review the Homeowner’s Guide
What You Need To Know About Properties Connected to a 1- or 2-party well or a Group B Water System
Effective March 4, 2019, all properties served by a private one- or two-party water supply or a Group B Water System are required to have a Water Status Report prepared by the Health District prior to sale. In the past, these reports have been optional but are now required.
Water Status Report Applications should be submitted 30 days prior to property transfer to allow for any identified issues to be addressed prior to closing.
For more information about the new rules, please view our Water Status Reports - Frequently Asked Questions handout.
Just like a Property Conveyance Inspection is important to know the status of the septic system, it is also important to evaluate the water system to identify significant problems. See the Private Water Status Report Findings and group B Water Status Report Findings charts below. If these problems are not identified or corrected, they can cause problems for the home sellers or buyers.
2024 Private Water Status Report Findings
438 private water status reports were completed in 2024. Of those reports, 173 (39%) had significant problems identified.
Avoiding Common Problems on Private Water Status Reports
Construction Standards - Keep your well-head above grade and accessible (at least six inches above grade)
Well openings/access for contamination - Openings in the well casing/cap can allow contamination into the well. Ensure conduit, cap and all other entry points are sealed.
Ensure pressure tank maintenance is up to date and sample for bacteria annually. For more information about bacteria sampling, view the handout.
2024 Group B Water Status Report Findings
124 public water status reports for Group B systems were completed in 2024. Of those, 106 (84%) significant problems were identified.
Avoiding Common Problems on Public Water Status Reports
No user agreement - Group B user agreements have been required since 2019. All water systems should review their current user agreement or, if there isn’t one, create one. More resources can be found in below in the Drinking Water Publications Downloads. Look for these documents:
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Group B Water System User Agreement Requirements
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Group B Water System User Agreement Information and Resources
No operating permit - Group B water systems must have a current operating permit. Ensure water system contact information is up to date and the permits have been paid. For more information, visit our Managing Group B Public Water Systems page.
Sampling not current - Most Group B water systems must sample annually for bacteria and every three years for nitrate. If you’re unsure of your sampling frequency or need technical assistance with taking samples, please call us at (360) 728-2235 and ask to speak to the Drinking Water Inspector of the Day.
Also, reminder cards are mailed approximately 30 days prior to sample due date. Make sure your system contact information is updated.
How do I design and install a new septic system?
When a property owner wants to build on a property and install a new septic system, the process is outlined here:
A licensed septic designer is hired to prepare and submit a Building Site Application (BSA). The BSA proposes the size, type, and location of the septic system. It also includes information about the proposed drinking water supply for the property and any buildings that are proposed.
After the BSA is reviewed and approved by the Health District, the applicant acquires a building permit from the appropriate building department for the property.
After the building permit is issued, a certified septic installer, working in conjunction with the septic designer, applies for a septic installation permit and installs the system according to the approved design.
Once the new system is approved, the applicant gets permission from the building department for occupancy of the new structure.
When a property owner wants to build on a property with an existing septic system, the standard process is outlined here:
The owner or contractor will submit a Building Clearance (BC) Application. The BC shows the proposed project and whether a new connection to the existing septic system will be required. If a connection permit will be required, it must be purchased at the time of the BC application.
After the BC is reviewed and approved by the Health District, the applicant acquires a building permit from the appropriate building department for the property.
A certified septic installer or the homeowner then makes the new connection to the system according to the approved application.
Once the new connection is approved, the applicant gets permission from the building department to use the structure.
How do I repair my septic system?
When a septic system is not operating properly (backing up or surfacing), it can be a stressful situation. Some repairs can be small and handled by the property owner or their pumper/maintenance specialist. The minor repair policy provides guidance for these types of repairs.
If a new drainfield is required, the following steps are to be followed:
A licensed septic designer is hired to prepare and submit a Building Site Application (BSA). The BSA proposes the size, type, and location of the septic system.
After the BSA is reviewed and approved by the Health District, the applicant works with a certified septic installer, working in conjunction with the septic designer, to acquire a septic installation permit and installs the system according to the approved design.
The Health District inspector inspects pre-cover and the new system is placed into operation.
For potential loan information refer to: Craft 3 Septic Loan Program and/or the Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Loans and Grants.
How do I maintain my septic system?
Most people do not think about their septic system until it is not working. You should consider the maintenance of your septic system as you do the maintenance of your car—it needs periodic inspections and maintenance to run properly and last as long as possible.
Regular maintenance and safety measures help keep septic systems safe and environmentally friendly. Follow the safety guidelines below — check out our other septic system resources for information about how you can keep your system running safely and properly and protecting your investment!
Know where your septic system is located.
If you are unsure of where your septic system and drainfield are, contact the Kitsap Public Health District at (360) 728-2235 or search online for your property’s record drawing. Knowing this information is important because you can avoid:
Children and pets from playing around the septic tank lid(s).
Construction of structures over the drainfield.
Cars and heavy equipment parked on your drainfield
Walk your property routinely to observe and address potential safety and health risks.
Check the drainfield and down slope areas for broken equipment, holes, odors, wet spots, or surfacing sewage. Exposure to bacteria can cause a health risk to people, pets, and the environment.
Make sure your septic tank lid(s) properly cover the openings. Make sure the lid(s) are secure and durable.
Check for damage and cracks and make sure the lid is securely fastened to prevent injuries and falling into the tank. Lids can become brittle from the sun and weather and should be replaced if damaged.
Instruct children not to play around septic tank lids or drainfields.
Kids are naturally curious and love to explore the outdoors. But playing around the septic tank or trying to open the lid can be dangerous. Kids or pets can be seriously injured from falls into or around the tank, and exposure to bacteria can cause health risks.
How Do I Landscape My Drainfield Area?
Appropriate landscaping over the drainfield area is important. You can review this resource for tips and plants/activities to avoid.
What Maintenance is Required for a Gravity Drainfield System?
Have your system inspected every three years by a septic service professional certified by the Kitsap Public Health District.
The inspection will ensure proper system operation and let you know if pumping is needed. Inspections help:
Protect ground, surface and drinking water from contamination.
Prevent bacterial pollution from entering Puget Sound directly or through storm water run-off into creeks and streams.
Identify problems early which can prevent injuries and/or expensive repairs.
Contact us at (360) 728-2235 with questions or for assistance!
Download our Septic System Safety fact sheet.
Do Some Septic Systems Require Extra Maintenance?
Septic systems have become more complex and so have their monitoring and maintenance needs. Many more complicated septic systems require an annual inspection at a minimum. If your system is not maintained properly its chances of failure increase. If you own an alternative system (with pumps, treatment devices, or other non-standard components) you must have an annual maintenance contract with a certified monitoring and maintenance specialist.
Regular maintenance and safety measures help keep septic systems safe and environmentally friendly.
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